Childcare Costs Weigh On Voters

Rising childcare costs are a factor for parents weighing how to vote in November’s midterm elections. In Pennsylvania’s hotly contested 7th Congressional District, both candidates are making childcare part of their pitch to voters. Democratic nominee Bob Brooks supports universal prekindergarten and increased federal childcare assistance. Republican Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, the incumbent, favors bigger tax breaks for families paying for childcare and employers who subsidize it for their workers. Childcare costs have rose faster than inflation from from 2020 to 2024. The Campaign for a Family Friendly Economy said it has spent $60 million this year to support Democratic candidates, who have historically favored bigger-ticket childcare investments.